Interim Superintendent Mitch Wainwright shared enrollment data from the state’s 3rd Friday count in September with the Board at Monday night’s meeting. (Scroll past the video for more article text)
Mineral Point has 759 students this year, up from 724 last year.
However, for purposes of calculating state aid, the number is 688 as not every student, such as Pre K who attend half days, is counted as a full time student.
To view enrollment by grade, visit: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=43285845
(Go to the one hour, 16 minute mark)
Other business:
— As mentioned in a previous article, President Jeff Basting read a resignation letter from Board Member Kelly Gundlach. To read the details on the resignation, and the search for a replacement, visit: https://mineralpointschools.org/2018/10/board-looks-to-fill-vacant-seat/
(Go to the seven minute, 30 second mark)
— The Board approved the budget by a 5-1 vote with Larry Steffes voting no. Steffes said the reason for his no vote was because he was not supportive of the salary increase for staff.
Board member Andy Busch reminded everyone the final budget will be reviewed prior to levy certification October 22.
Board member Aaron Dunn also pointed out the budget is balanced. (Go to the one hour, 38 minute, 30 second mark)
— Lisa Voisin from R.W. Baird was present to explain some of the financing questions regarding both referendum questions.
25% of districts in Wisconsin do not currently have referenda debt and Mineral Point is one of those.
Voisin said she went through the mill rate comparisons to neighboring districts and Mineral Point is in the middle of the road, but most districts nearby are above the state average.
She added the “stars are lining up for quite a mill rate drop” next year, thanks to the closure of a tif fund, plus additional state aid. (Go to the 20 minute mark)
— The Board voted to post a position for an elementary instructional assistant by a 6-0 vote. Wainwright said there is a need for an additional adult in a classroom. Students in question are still being evaluated for special needs, but if it turns out that IEP language includes the use of an instructional assistant, the district would have no choice but to hire. The position will be posted and the decision regarding the actual hire will be made at a future meeting. (Go to the one hour, 39 minute, 30 second mark)
— The meeting began with the Superintendent’s Report from Mitch Wainwright. A highlight of his report included an update regarding the safety film installation for the elementary and middle/high school buildings’ main entrances. CESA 10 is making the arrangements with a company to do the install. (This begins the meeting video)
— The Board unanimously approved the use of the DPI Model LEA Special Education Policies and Procedures that were updated July 2018. (Go to the one hour, 54 minute mark)
— Administrators presented building-level reports (Go to the 45 minute mark).
— The Board approved by a 5-0-1 vote with Basting abstaining the credit card statement and bills payable. (Go to the one hour, 56 minute, 30 second mark)
— The Board will meet to certify the levy October 22 and the next regular meeting will be November 12.